Casa Colibrí
Valle de Guadalupe
Located in the Valle de Guadalupe, Casa Colibrí integrates seamlessly with the landscape through a material palette that dialogues with the region’s building traditions.
Project Information:
2023
251 m²
About this project.
Its L-shaped layout responds to the need to frame the horizon, maximizing the openness of public spaces toward the main views while sheltering private areas through a strategic volumetric composition. Inspired by the relationship between Ensenada’s historical architecture and the valley’s natural environment, the house reinterprets elements of local tradition, such as the use of adobe and the integration of passive climate control systems.
The main structure sits on stilts, respecting the slope of the terrain and allowing a subtle implantation that minimizes intervention in the original topography. The front façade, facing the street, is divided into three volumes, creating a privacy filter from neighboring houses. In contrast, the rear façade opens completely to the landscape, featuring locally made adobe brick, exposed steel beams, and natural wood. This combination of materials not only references the region’s constructive heritage but also optimizes the thermal comfort of the interior spaces.
We create environments where design flows with function.
The valley’s Mediterranean climate has been a key factor in defining the bioclimatic strategies. Brick lattice walls regulate solar exposure, while the gable roof — a contemporary reinterpretation of Ensenada’s historic estates — incorporates thermal insulation and skylights that promote cross ventilation. Additionally, the solar panel system reduces the home’s energy dependency, reinforcing its sustainable approach. Casa Colibrí rests on the landscape as an elevated refuge among native vegetation, reimagining the lightness and protection of a nest within the context of a contemporary countryside home.
Credits — Renders & Photography
Project photography:
Onnis Luque.
onnisluque.com